It’s turkey time in Tennessee! Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on the things we love most, and holding gratitude for the Earth is no exception. While you are with your friends and family, remember to keep sustainability in mind. Read on to see how you can keep your Thanksgiving celebration green!

Give carpooling a try

• If you are traveling home for the holiday, try to coordinate with friends or classmates to carpool to your city
• If you’re unable to find a ride, public transportation is another great option. Greyhound buses go all over the US, with a station conveniently located downtown

Eat mindfully

• Food waste is a fixable issue. When you are piling your plate up, be mindful of what you will and will not eat. Remember to save your leftovers!
• Don’t know what to do with your leftovers? The Food Network has some ideas for creative ways to use your leftovers so nothing goes to waste.

Purchase local foods

• As you are creating your menu for Thanksgiving, keep in mind the food you are purchasing. Local food puts less of a strain on transportation, and gives back to your local farmers!
• Nourish Knoxville’s Local Foods Guide has lots of locally sourced grocery stores in 20 counties across Tennessee, including, Anderson, Blount, Cumberland, Knox, and Sevier

Reduce one-use items

• Reusable plates and silverware not only look better, but help reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill.
• Be sure you have lots of tupperware on hand to give your guests any leftovers in that they can reuse again and again

Go outside!

• Spending time unwinding outside is a great way to wrap up Thanksgiving. Unplug, power-down and get outside with your family!
• If you’re staying in Knoxville for break, Outdoor Knoxville has lots of great ideas for activities to do outside

Hope you enjoyed these tips, and have a wonderful break with your friends and family!